Handmade wooden skis

Handmade wooden skis: Two new European companies have begun manufacturing handmade wooden skis for high-end clients, convinced they have found an untapped niche market.

Italy-based Ullak, which launched just over a year ago, works with clients to produce bespoke skis featuring decorative items such as snake skin and Swarovski crystals. The skis costs between €3,400 to €12,000 ($3,700 - $12,900), including poles, bindings and a ski bag.

The company can produce a maximum of 50 sets per year, because of the labor-intensive nature of the business.

Swiss competitor Anouk, which launched around the same time, offers clients the option to embed gold, crystals and even diamonds into their skis.